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Does AMD affect you?

March 10th, 2016 by Carolina Eye Associates

According to a new survey commissioned by CentraSight, almost half (43%) of American seniors have or know someone with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), but most (66%) don’t know how to care for their loved one.

AMD is a progressive eye condition affecting as many as 15 million Americans and is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and legal blindness in people over age 60. AMD is a progressive disease, which can lead to severe central vision “blind spots” in both eyes in the most advanced form, end-stage AMD.

People living with end-stage AMD find it difficult or impossible to recognize faces, read, watch TV or complete tasks requiring detailed vision. Recent projections estimate that in the United States the number of individuals with AMD will reach 20 million in 2020.

If you are caring for a loved with AMD, here are some tips:
 Initiate dialogue – Make a list of questions for your doctor about your specific diagnosis and available treatments.
 Make lifestyle changes – quitting smoking, losing weight and watching your blood pressure can help reduce the risk of AMD progression; simple changes like adjusting lighting and investing in an e-reader (that allows for larger print) can make daily life easier.
 Discuss driving – have a serious conversation with your family and physician about whether driving is safe for you and other people on the road.
 Find support – There are low vision resource centers and AMD awareness groups across the country.
 Research options – Learn more about the latest treatments, such as the telescope implant for those with the severest form of AMD.

For more information on AMD call Carolina Eye Associates at (910) 295-2100 or toll-free at (800) 733-5357.